Steve Bruce reveals source of Ryan Fraser's Newcastle United injury woes as he welcomes back partner-in-crime Callum Wilson for Liverpool

Wilson and Fraser are yet to really show in black and white what they conjured up so brilliantly in black and red on the south coast, where their Bournemouth partnership brought goals and assists galore.

While the former has fulfilled his part of the bargain, Scotland international Fraser has cut a frustrated figure in the first months of the season.

And Bruce has offered an explanation as to why the summer signing is yet to show his true colours on Tyneside.

“We have had an ongoing cycle with Ryan, either with his hamstring or his groin,” said Bruce, who is likely to be without the winger for much of January.

“We all know he had not played since March (when he signed) so he had a few problems muscle-wise.

“He won't make Liverpool and I think the week after will be a bit soon as well.”

Wilson was left out of the side beaten by Manchester City on Saturday with what Bruce described as a ‘knock’ but there is hope the striker – United’s top-scorer this season with eight goals – will be OK to lead the line against Liverpool this evening.

“He has had a knock on his ankle and I really didn't want to make him worse with it,” said Bruce of Wilson’s Etihad absence.

“He has played something like four games in 12 days and I had to protect him. Hopefully he will be ready.”

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